Journalist, lecturer and researcher

Creative community cohesion

Whilst communities across the country seemingly tear themselves apart it is heartening to know that in Northamptonshire there is a great network of community support.

A clear example of this is the partners that have come to the aid of Film Northants year after year. This year in particular a number of organisations have filled our funding deficit by putting up valuable prizes.

The UK Film School, which provides film courses to young people, has put forward a voucher for one of their film schools, worth more than £300. This is an excellent prize for the new Under 16s category and ties in well with the launch of the UK Film School’s Saturday School launching in Moulton in September.

For the adults we have secured one day’s hire of the Penkat Studio in Milton Keynes including lights, cameras, power and equipment – worth £500.

Other prizes have also been put forward by 20th Century Fox and Cineworld including exclusive film merchandise and cinema tickets.

Volunteers are also vital to the success of Film Northants. The committee is run by a team of eight dedicated members who give up their evenings and weekends to run plan, organise and run the event, despite having busy full time jobs or running their own businesses.

Then there are the Youth Forum volunteers who support committee members at the awards ceremony as stewards, waiters and photographers.

The panel of judges must also be acknowledged as they have a difficult (yet enjoyable) job of watching all of the entries multiple times in order to decide upon the finalists, Judges’ Choice and Under 16s winners.

Without all of these creative companies, organisations and individuals Film Northants would not be able to continue each year and more importantly continue to expand and thrive.